Education Convention discuss recent concerns

Strikes, accommodation costs and departmental funding were some of the issues raised at the Education Convention held on 28 January. 

Participants had the opportunity to question University representatives during a question and answer session. The panel included Ken Sloan, registrar and chief operating officer, Christina Hughes, pro vice-chancellor (teaching and learning), Stephen Lamb, head senior tutor, Sue Bennett, director of student careers and skills, and Rachel Wenstone, National Union of Students (NUS) vice president (higher education).

The first issue raised was the vice-chancellor Nigel Thrift’s pay. Ken Sloan said that he cannot comment on something in which he is not involved and stated that Warwick is part of a national pay roll system.

Rachel Wenstone brought up non-teaching staffs’ pay in universities across the country.  She stated that the gap between the highest and lowest-paid jobs has widened.

Concerns were also raised over the effect of lecturers’ strikes on students. Students asked why departments are taking different stances over uncovered subjects being included in exam papers. Stephen Lamb said that there is a “strong departmental culture at Warwick” but that all departments should make their policies regarding missed material clear to students.

The possibility of industrial action during examination period was also raised. Ken Sloan assured that efforts would be made “to keep the University as operational as possible”.

Students equally raised rising on-campus accommodation prices as a concern. Many said that new halls such as Bluebell and Sherborne are not affordable and that more accommodation in the lower price range should be built.

Rachel Wenstone said that the gap between the student maintenance loan and cost of rent is “scary” and that no student can afford university without parents’ help or getting a job.

Ken Sloan stated that the University has a commitment to a “rent ladder” and that ongoing plans for residential expansion are trying to make accommodation as affordable as possible.

Cristina Hughes added that Warwick accommodation remains owned by the University and that any surplus is re-distributed to University funds.

Students also voiced their discontent with discrepancy in funding between departments.  Warwick Business School (WBS) in particular was mentioned. Postgraduates said that there is a stark difference in facilities available, with arts and humanities students often struggling to find space for research and quiet study.

The panel acknowledged that WBS generates a large profit which funds its facilities, but also stated that a lot is redistributed across the University. Ken Sloan said that the University does the best it can to deliver the best facilities for each department.

Erin Davies, education officer at the Students’ Union, was pleased with the quality of questions asked but was “very disappointed that more students didn’t turn up”.

“It really was a fantastic opportunity,” she said. “It really is a shame that we didn’t get a larger group of attendees”.

Plans for the next convention are yet to be finalised and is likely to take a different format in order to accommodate students’ term three commitments.